Seshego residents donate to flood-hit communities
Seshego residents open their homes as a donation hub for flood victims in Vhembe and Mopani, saying "I could be next."
POLOKWANE – The thought ‘I could be next’ has encouraged residents of Dinkwe Street in Zone 2, Seshego, to dig out items stored in their homes and donate them to communities devastated by recent floods.
Over the past week, Rotarian and retired principal Phuti Ragophala opened her home as a drop-off point where residents could donate goods to residents of Vhembe and Mopani, where heavy rains destroyed bridges, homes, schools and other critical infrastructure.
This is Phuti Ragophala, a resident of Dinkwe Street in Zone 2, Seshego, who, together with other residents, has collected items like clothes, bedding, shoes, and books, which they’ll send to areas affected by floods in Limpopo. pic.twitter.com/mwa7os2fnQ
— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) January 30, 2026
The rain, which started in early January, caused widespread damage to houses and roads, claimed several lives and one person remains missing. The Department of Education later announced that some schools only resumed classes last Monday and earlier this week due to flood damage.
Ragophala, with community activists Alex Makhura and Mantji Chuene, received more than 50 boxes and large black bags filled with shoes, bedding, clothes, books and other essential items.
Speaking to BONUS, the group said they wanted to set an example of a society that does not rely solely on government for development and disaster response.
“The hand that blesses is the one that receives. It is possible that any of us could be affected at another time and we would expect help,” Ragophala said. “We felt it was not necessary for government to do everything, because many of us have items we no longer use. Instead of keeping them, we chose to give them away.”
Several organisations, including Gift of the Givers and Capricorn FM, have also appealed to the public to donate items to assist flood victims.
The severity of the floods prompted a visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with Housing Minister and former Polokwane Mayor Thembi Simelane, Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and other government leaders.
Those wishing to support the Dinkwe Street initiative can contact Ragophala on 081 886 6916.
